PTK is a procedure where a laser is used to treat certain corneal surface diseases. It works by removing surface layers of the cornea (the transparent dome at the front of your eyeball or the window of the eye) and leaving behind a smooth surface where new healthy tissue can regrow.
The most common reason for performing PTK is for recurrent corneal erosion syndrome (RCES) that does not respond to conservative management. Other reasons include treatment for band keratopathy (calcium deposits on the cornea) and some corneal opacities (either due to corneal dystrophies, infections, or injuries).
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic. Numbing eye drops are applied so you should not feel any pain during the procedure. You will be lying down during the procedure.
Your eyelids will be gently held open with a clip. This may feel uncomfortable but try not tosqueeze your eyes as this can make it feel worse. You will be asked to look at a flashing light target.
The surface cells (epithelium) of the cornea will be removed either by your surgeon, or by the laser itself. The method used will depend on your underlying corneal problem.
The laser is then performed, this lasts for 30 seconds on average. You will hear a buzzing noise from the laser machine. In specific cases, an anti- scarring medication calledMitomycin C may be used to help reduce the risk of developing corneal haze. A soft ‘bandage’ contact lens may be placed on the eye at the end of the procedure.
Your eye will be quite painful and sensitive to light for the first few days. This is normal andwill improve. You will be given eye drops and pain relief tablets to help with the discomfort. Cold compresses and painkillers (ibuprofen or paracetamol/co-codamol) can help with any pain, and your eye should feel much more comfortable after a week.
Your vision may also be slightly blurry, but this often improves rapidly.
You will have a number of eye drops to use in the 4 weeks following the procedure. Our nurses will go through all your eyedrops with you before you leave.
Before putting in your eyedrops, first check that the drops are still in date.
If you were using a new bottle of eyedrops also check that the seal is not broken make sure you're putting the correct drops into the correct eye.
Let the correct time to instill your drops. Place a clean tissue on a flat surface wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water invert the bottle two or three times to ensure the contents are evenly mixed together.
Remove the lid and place it on the tissue tilt your head back, pull down your lower lid and form a small pocket. Make sure that the tip of the bottle does not come into contact with your skin or eyelashes as it might contaminate the drops.
Look up and gently squeeze the bottle so that a single drop falls into the pocket made by your lower lid.
Blink the drops in press lightly on the inner corner of your eye this enables more of the drop to be absorbed and not run away down your tear duct.
Wipe any excess fluid from your closed eyelids with a clean tissue.
Recap your drop bottle if you have more than one drop to instill. Wait at least 5 minutes before putting in another drop.
Wash your hands with soap and water to remove any traces of medication.
If you have any problems please contact our nurse led helpline service Moorfields Direct on 0207 566 2345
Research studies have shown PTK to be highly effective in treating RCES with over 90% success rates. Some patients may require more than one treatment if their symptoms are not fully resolved.
In general, PTK is very safe. Complications are rare and include:
There is a small risk of infection following any surgery, but the risk of this is reduced withantibiotic eye drops, which are routinely given to you following the laser procedure.
As the laser is removing some corneal tissue, this may cause a change in your prescription, and your glasses may need to be changed. This is more likely with PTK treatments that go deeper into the cornea.
This is where the cornea develops a faint scar as a result of the PTK. This is usually mild and tends to disappear with time, although they can be permanent in a small number of cases. This may lead to reduced vision quality.
Most patients take one week off from work, but if you work in a dusty environment you may need to stay off work for longer.
If your eye becomes more red or painful or your sight becomes more blurred prior to your appointment, you should telephone Moorfields Direct for advice on 020 7566 2345 or attend your local A&E department or the A&E department at Moorfields, which is open 24 hours for emergency eye problems only.
Author: Mr Yan Ning Neo, Miss Su-Yin Koay, Mr Daniel Gore
Review date: July 2027